Stan Collymore names Aston Villa star who would be ‘perfect’ for Arsenal

Stan Collymore believes Douglas Luiz will leave Aston Villa in the summer transfer window and feels he would be a ‘perfect’ fit for Arsenal.

The 25-year-old Brazil international midfielder has produced six goals and four assists across 22 Premier League games for Unai Emery’s side this term.

Luiz moved to Villa from Manchester City four-and-a-half years ago and has a contract which currently runs until 2026.

Arsenal have been linked with signing the Villa star for the last 18 months – and in that time his stock has only grown and grown.

‘I think Douglas is a player that could end up moving on from Villa,’ Collymore told Genting Casino.

‘I know that he has been linked with a move to Arsenal over the last few transfer windows, and I think he would suit them perfectly.

‘He can hold onto the ball very well. He is calm, he doesn’t rush things and has fantastic ability on the ball. I can see him fitting into a midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard seamlessly.

‘He would be a perfect player for Arsenal. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal come back in for him. It wouldn’t surprise me if that happened, and I wouldn’t begrudge him that move because he has been brilliant for Villa.

‘As long as the club had someone waiting in the wings that was ready to fill the void if a player like Douglas Luiz would leave, and Villa got the requisite fee for him, then I wouldn’t have a problem with [him moving].

‘I have been fairly critical of him in the past. I didn’t think he had the ability to play as a holding midfielder, but in the system that Unai plays, where he plays a little bit further forward, his calmness on the ball is very good. He is a player that doesn’t get flustered.’

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